The All India Football Federation took some landmark decisions during their Executive Committee meeting at the Football House in Delhi on Friday.

The meeting which was attended by all the 18 Executive Committee members saw President Praful Patel preside over the proceedings.

The major decision that came out from the meeting was regarding the contract renewal of national team coach Bob Houghton. AIFF President ruled out all the rumours of the Englishman's resignation as he went on record saying that he himself had a word with Houghton to clear out the misunderstanding.

Bob Houghton will now remain the coach of India till the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, to be held in Qatar. The Executive Committee has entrusted president Praful Patel to handle the entire issue with Bob Houghton. AIFF recognises the English coach's contribution to Indian football but no way can some one influence a deadline to seal contract talks.

Bob is expected to arrive in India on 21st of May that is when Praful Patel will have discussions with the coach relating his contract extension issues.

AIFF also finally made it official that the national team players will not be available for the clubs from July till the the Asian Cup as a part of the Goal 2011 Project. The AIFF will pay each of the players 15% more than what they actually earn from their club for this special arrangement.

The Executive Committee also voted in favour of passing the ambitious “STRIKE” project which is aimed at youth development in the country.

The players recruitment structure in the I-League remains the same as AIFF decided to continue with their current policy that allows all the teams to register three foreigners along with one additional Asian foreigner.

The Santosh Trophy will be played from the month of July in Kolkata meanwhile next season's I-League will kick start from September.

The Indian FA has also decided to field their own team in the I-League which will be based in Delhi and shall consist of players from the India U-19 team.

Source: Goal.com

From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Friday 7 May 2010, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.